The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CONSOLE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
C
O
N
S
O
L
E
More clues leading to the result CONSOLE
- Serve as comfort to prisoner, unaccompanied
- Offer comfort to Tory only
- Sympathise with panel
- Comfort old king holding disabled son
- Express sympathy for game player
- Comfort panel
- Panel finding ice round poles over unlimited sea
- Provide comfort to computer games player
- Comfort prisoner all on his own
- Comfort needed by organist
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Comfort/panel" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case comfort/panel = console.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CONSOLE mean?
CONSOLE noun- A stand-alone cabinet designed to stand on the floor; especially, one that houses home entertainment equipment, such as a TV or stereo system.
- A cabinet that controls, instruments, and displays are mounted upon.
- An instrument with displays and an input device that is used to monitor and control an electronic system.
- A storage tray or container mounted between the seats of an automobile.
- An ornamental member jutting out of a wall to carry a superincumbent weight.
- To comfort (someone) in a time of grief, disappointment, etc.